MusicNL Professional Development

Professional Development Program – April 1, 2010 – March 31st, 2011

Objective

Administered by MusicNL in conjunction with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, this program is designed to provide assistance to members that are seeking to improve their creative skills and business that is seeking to promote and market Newfoundland & Labrador musical talent.
This is in conjunction with the MusicNL mandate to increase awareness locally, nationally and internationally of provincially produced music as an art form and as a viable industry with significant impact on the economy.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be received at the MusicNL office no later than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start date of the proposed project. Late applications will not be reviewed or considered.

Program Funding

All projects must demonstrate financial need in order to be considered. Successful applicants will receive investment support until funding for this fiscal year is exhausted. All projects must meet the program objectives. Applicants may apply for up to 100% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $1,500 (Domestic) and $2,500 (International). Monies are a grant and not repayable. It is recommended that applicants contact the program officer Jen Winsor to discuss the proposed project prior to submitting the application jen@musicnl.ca or 754-2574).

Reimbursement

Reimbursement will be issued upon completion of project, delivery of eligible receipts and final report. Final report must be filed within thirty (30) days of the project’s completion. Failure to do so will make the applicant ineligible for future funding.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must be a member of MusicNL in good standing.
Applicant must have been a MusicNL member for at least six (6) months prior to the application.
Applicant must have been a resident of Newfoundland & Labrador for at least six (6) months prior to the application. Proof of residency may be required.
Applications will be limited to a maximum annual funding of $4500, regardless of the number of applications made in that period.

All of the following must accompany your application:

Complete project description.
1. Project objectives
2. How your project meets the goals of the funding program, and
3. Complete budget
Professional history of the applicant.
Complete application form.
Project Agenda
Demonstrated ability to finance expenses not covered in this funding program.

Eligible Expenses

Travel, including transportation costs to and from.
Accommodations

Restrictions to eligible expenses

Best economy rates for flights, hotels and vehicle rentals only
Gas is eligible only when using a privately owned or rental vehicle

Ineligible Expenses

Tuition fees
Registration fees
Per diems
Musician or Manager’s fees
Administration costs
Office rent
Capital costs
Office staff wages
Web site domain fee
Costume/wardrobe
Manufactured products (including but not limited to CD, DVD and video)

Eligible Projects

Attendance to professional development initiatives including

Seminars
Workshops
Working/studying with mentors
Other educational opportunities

How Are Decisions Made?

The MusicNL Funding Committee is made up of a minimum of three (3) industry professionals and a Government Liason. Your application form and supporting materials should provide all the information the Committee needs to know about you and your project.

Applications are evaluated based on four (4) main factors

Project description and Project Agenda
Professional History – profiles, accomplishments and special recognitions within the media and the industry
Additional Support – who is helping you with this project and what is their experience, and your ability to provide financing for expenses not covered in this program.
Applicant must demonstrate financial need.

Important Notes

Applicants will be limited to a maximum annual funding amount of $4500, regardless of the number of applications made in that period.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Your application will not be reviewed if you have a Final Report that is overdue.
You are required to use the budget template provided in the Application Form.
You are required to submit an electronic copy of your application to jen@musicnl.ca
Include a separate budget, that reports the full cost of the project (i.e. all expenses incurred even if not eligible under this program.) This information will aid MusicNL in calculating the private investment in each project and to analyse the amount of investment Newfoundland and Labrador music initiatives might require.
Successful applicants will receive investment support until funding for the fiscal year is exhausted. Money left over will be held for the next funding period.
Approved applicants are required to sign a Funding Agreement that outlines terms and conditions of funding.
Approved applicants are required to submit a Final Report within thirty (30) days of the project end date.
The Final Report must include a detailed financial statement of actual revenues and expenses accompanied by original receipts/invoices as supporting documentation. This information must be laid out in spreadsheet format.
Recipients are subject to provincial government audit. Please retain all supporting documentation.
It is strongly recommended that the Program Officer be contacted to discuss the proposed project before an application is submitted.
MusicNL reserves the right to decline or approve any application.
Applications must match career development and project agenda.
All projects must be completed by March 31st, 2011.

Documents

Contacts

Jen Winsor

186 Duckworth Street
St. John's, NL A1C 1G5
Canada

Fax: (709) 754-5758
Phone: (709) 754-2574

jen@musicnl.ca